Free Time Activities and Quality of Urban Life

Abstract

The use of human time allocation as an indicator of the quality of life in the urban scene is explored by comparative survey research. Using two measures—the amount of time and the variety reflected in discretionary activities—living patterns of Washingtonians from differing life situations are compared with those of urbanites in the same situations for the nation as a whole. Within the Washington area, by these measures very distinct differences appear to exist along income-race lines. As compared with the national scene, the quality of life for lower income levels in the nation's capital appears to be slightly above that found in U.S. urban areas, and, for middle and upper income categories, well above national levels.